What to put in bottom of cage??

[KmKrazy9]

Hi again! I was reading through all of theses and I was wondering is newspaper as good as bedding? I thought that the ink could harm the pigs. It would be a whole lot cheaper but I dont want anything that could harm Amy (my GP)

[Valansae Rescue]

But you will have to change the bedding more frequently as it will get wet quicker. You will have to make sure the newspaper has soy based ink, which most do, but ring up a few newpaper publishers and find out. You would, preferably, purchase a paper shredder - it's nice for the pig that just torn newspaper (sooo fun to run through!)

[cornhill]

Originally Posted by KmKrazy9

Hi again! I was reading through all of theses and I was wondering is newspaper as good as bedding? I thought that the ink could harm the pigs. It would be a whole lot cheaper but I dont want anything that could harm Amy (my GP)

I put plenty of newspaper on the bottom. Then I sprinkle a half a box of baking soda on the paper, then plenty of bedding, the plenty of pure timothy hay. The baking soda really absorbs oder.

[KmKrazy9]

Thanks for the help

[CuteFluffyThing]

Originally Posted by KmKrazy9

Hi again! I was reading through all of theses and I was wondering is newspaper as good as bedding? I thought that the ink could harm the pigs. It would be a whole lot cheaper but I dont want anything that could harm Amy (my GP)

i would use towels since the GP like the fluffyness of it . Allso put leather , newspapers or plastic under it ( the GP may not like plastic because it crunches ) in case it pisses or else it will go right trough the towel . We personally use leather .

[mncavylover]

If there is any way you could get shredded paper, that makes great bedding. Also, shredded paper towels or white paper works, too. It's safer than newspaper. Hope this helps! =)

[cavylover]

Newspaper is not even close as good as sawdust bedding at all.Thats why scrunched up newspaper isnt sold at stores as bedding.I know that carefresh is newspaper dried out specially and once i find out the secret ill be rich because ill sell it for alot cheaper then carefresh does.(sorry i rambled on ) Anyways dont go with newspaper.

[heather]

The ink on newspaper is only harmful if it is "fresh". A good rule of thumb is to only use newspaper that is at least two days old.

[mncavylover]

Why is that, may I ask?

[LiciaMommycott]

Originally Posted by KmKrazy9

Hi again! I was reading through all of theses and I was wondering is newspaper as good as bedding? I thought that the ink could harm the pigs. It would be a whole lot cheaper but I dont want anything that could harm Amy (my GP)

I went through the whole bedding dilemma since that seems to be the main expense of keeping pigs. Hated the newspaper because it needed changing almost right away. Loved carefresh for performance but can't afford it. I finally ended up buying kiln dried pine bedding for horses that I can get at a local tack and feed store. It ends up being about $1 per cu.ft. Kiln dried pine is ok in an open cage but not a closed cage such as an aquarium (but pigs should be never be in a closed cage anyway).

Here's the product info for the pine I'm using.

http://www.norstarindustries.com/pro...php?product=16

[heather]

Originally Posted by mncavylover

Why is that, may I ask?

Fresh newspaper is toxic to guinea pigs. It is best to let it sit for a day or so. If they chew on the fresh paper, it could be harmful. Take a whiff of the newspaper on day one then compare the smell on day two. You'll notice a difference in smell too.

[mncavylover]

Thanks for the reply! =) I didn't know that.